News media Muslim coverage driving Islamophobia - study

A New Zealand study has linked listening to, watching and reading the news to greater anger towards Muslims.

Researchers from Auckland, Otago and Victoria universities used data collected from the 20-year New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study, covering the responses of more than 16,000 Kiwis.

It didn't matter whether they saw themselves as liberal or conservative - the more news they consume, the more likely New Zealanders are to show both increased anger and reduced warmth towards Muslims.

"The association of prejudice towards Muslims with more media exposure holds across the political spectrum, and is specific to Muslims," says lead author Dr John Shaver of the University of Otago.